Charles and Audrey Sutton were presented with our Guardian Rose award by daughter Marian Burbridge, to mark their diamond day yesterday.

"He was on leave from the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment, and we met at a party at the Lyric," said Audrey. "It was a dance. It was just meant to be an ordinary dance but it had fallen on VE Day so they opened it up to anyone."

"All the army was on extended leave for the victory celebrations."

Charles spent the next two years continuing to serve his country, before the pair had the opportunity to tie the knot.

"I went abroad to places like Burma and Singapore, and came home in October 1947," he said. "We got engaged on the same day the Queen got married, and then it was 25th September 1948 when we got married at St James' Church in South Anston."

The pair lived on Nursery Road in Anston until moving to their current address in 1953.

"We've lived here for 55 years and been very happy," said Charles. "I went to work at Kiveton Park Wire and Steel and then I was a surface worker at Dinnington pit."

Meanwhile Marian started raising the family, which today includes their two granddaughters, Carla and Dina, and four great-grandchildren, Alicia, Oliver, Jacob and Isabelle.

To celebrate the special day, family and friends attended a meal at Dinnington's Venus Restaurant last weekend, organised by Dina.

"Everyone enjoyed it, they all said how nice it had been," said Audrey. "We had opened a few of our cards early too. I can wait to open presents but couldn't wait any longer to see the cards!"

"I think the secret to a long, successful marriage is to always put each other first."

Presenting them with the Guardian Rose this week, Marian said: "They have always been there for me, and all the family. And even now they continue to give us all support."

Our Rose award – in partnership with Limelands Florists in Dinnington and Aston Hall Hotel – is the perfect way to show how much you value someone, or reward those people who do so much but are rarely given the thanks.

At the end of the year, readers will vote for their favourite Guardian Rose, with the overall winner enjoying a meal, bed and breakfast for two at Aston Hall Hotel.

Click here to nominate your own recipient. Alternatively, simply call 01909 543014 or write to: Dinnington and Maltby Guardian, 64 Laughton Road, Dinnington, S25 2PS.